Evaluation of the antidiabetic potential of selected medicinal plant extracts from the Canadian boreal forest used to treat symptoms of diabetes: part II.

Among the Cree of northern Quebec, the disproportionately high rate of diabetic complications is largely due to the cultural inadequacy of modern therapies for type 2 diabetes. To establish culturally adapted antidiabetic treatments, our team identified several candidate plant species used by the Cree to treat symptoms of diabetes. An initial study focused on 8 species and revealed that most possess significant in vitro antidiabetic activity. The purpose of the present study was to assess a further 9 species identified through the ethnobotanical survey. Crude plant extracts were screened for (i) potentiation of basal and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake by skeletal muscle cells (C2C12) and adipocytes (3T3-L1); (ii) potentiation of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion by pancreatic beta cells (betaTC); (iii) potentiation of adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells; (iv) protection against glucose toxicity and glucose deprivation in PC12-AC neuronal precursor cells; and (v) diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) oxygen free radical scavenging. Four species potentiated basal glucose uptake in muscle cells or adipocytes, one species being as potent as metformin. Adipogenesis was accelerated by 4 species with a potency roughly half that of rosiglitazone. Five species protected PC12-AC cells against glucose toxicity and 4 protected against glucose deprivation. Five species exhibited antioxidant activity comparable to ascorbic acid. However, no species increased insulin secretion. The present study revealed that Gaultheria hispidula, Rhododendron tomentosum, and Vaccinium vitis-idaea exhibit a promising profile of antidiabetic potential and are good candidates for more in-depth evaluation.

Enhancement of muscle cell glucose uptake by medicinal plant species of Canada's native populations is mediated by a common, metformin-like mechanism.

AIM: The purpose of the present study was to elucidate the mechanisms of action mediating enhancement of basal glucose uptake in skeletal muscle cells by seven medicinal plant products recently identified from the pharmacopeia of native Canadian populations (Spoor et al., 2006). METHODS: Activity of the major signaling pathways that regulate glucose uptake was assessed by western immunoblot in C2C12 muscle cells treated with extracts from these plant species. Effects of extracts on mitochondrial function were assessed by respirometry in isolated rat liver mitochondria. Metabolic stress induced by extracts was assessed by measuring ATP concentration and rate of cell medium acidification in C2C12 myotubes and H4IIE hepatocytes. Extracts were applied at a dose of 15-100 microg/ml. RESULTS: The effect of all seven products was achieved through a common mechanism mediated not by the insulin signaling pathway but rather by the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway in response to the disruption of mitochondrial function and ensuing metabolic stress. Disruption of mitochondrial function occurred in the form of uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation and/or inhibition of ATPsynthase. Activity of the AMPK pathway, in some instances comparable to that stimulated by 4mM of the AMP-mimetic AICAR, was in several cases sustained for at least 18h post-treatment. Duration of metabolic stress, however, was in most cases in the order of 1h. CONCLUSIONS: The mechanism common to the seven products studied here is analogous to that of the antidiabetic drug Metformin. Of interest is the observation that metabolic stress need not be sustained in order to induce important adaptive responses. The results support the use of these products as culturally adapted treatments for insulin resistance and hyperglycemia in susceptible aboriginal populations where adherence to modern diabetes pharmaceuticals is an issue. The mechanism reported here may be widespread and mediate the antidiabetic activity of traditional remedies from various other cultures.

Selected plant species from the Cree pharmacopoeia of northern Quebec possess anti-diabetic potential.

Type II diabetes is a major health problem worldwide. Some populations, such as aboriginal peoples, are particularly at risk for this disease. In the Cree Nation of Quebec, Canada, prevalence in adults is approaching 20%, and the consequences are compounded by low compliance with modern medicine. In 2003, we conducted an ethnobotanical study of Cree medicinal plants used for the treatment of symptoms of diabetes. This served as the basis for a project designed to identify efficacious complementary treatment options more readily accepted by this population. The present study assesses the in vitro anti-diabetic potential of extracts from the 8 most promising plants to emerge from the ethnobotanical study. Cell-based bioassays were employed to screen for (i) potentiation of glucose uptake by skeletal muscle cells (C2C12) and adipocytes (3T3-L1); (ii) potentiation of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) and insulin production by pancreatic beta cells (INS 832/13); (iii) potentiation of triglyceride accumulation in differentiating 3T3-L1 cells; (iv) protection against glucose toxicity and glucose deprivation in pre-sympathetic neurons (PC12-AC). Additionally, anti-oxidant activity was measured biochemically by the diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) reduction assay. All plant extracts potentiated basal or insulin-stimulated glucose uptake to some degree in muscle cells or adipocytes. Adipocyte differentiation was accelerated by 4 extracts. Five extracts conferred protection in PC12 cells. Three extracts displayed free radical scavenging activity similar to known anti-oxidants. None of the plant extracts enhanced GSIS or insulin content in INS 832/13 beta cells. It is concluded that the Cree pharmacopoeia contains several plants with significant anti-diabetic potential.